We’re constantly striving to provide the world’s best mobile real estate search experience, and we’ve taken another step in that direction with today’s Realtor.com iOS app update.  We’ve made it faster and easier for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users to discover and research price reduced, foreclosed, and recently sold properties, as well as spiffing up and streamlining the app home screen experience.

The official Realtor.com iOS real estate search app is compatible with all 4.0 or higher iOS mobile devices and can be downloaded now at the iTunes store or by visiting Realtor.com/mobile.

Homes of the Rich points out this massive unfinished Bermuda Colonial in Winter Park, Florida. The seven-bedroom home is on 2.18 acres and is listed for $5.9 million. This and more great links below:

Unfinished Bermuda Colonial in Winter Park, Florida[Homes of the Rich]

The Hidden Costs of Foreclosures [LA Times]

Tips For Reviewing Condo Docs [St Paul Real Estate Blog]

Social Media On Autopilot [Tech Savvy Agent]

Is Katy Perry’s NYC Apartment On The Market? [Real Estalker]

David Hyde Pierce’s Spanish Oasis [AOL Real Estate]

AOL Real Estate lays out great houses with open houses this weekend including this lake view home in Orono, Minnesota. It is listed for $1.649 million.. This and more great links below:

Open Houses of the Week, February 17-19 [AOL Real Estate]

10 Questions with Designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz [Design Wire]

Clean Glass Fixtures With Denture Tablets [Apartment Therapy]

Teen Star Nick Jonas Rents In New York [Wall Street Journal]

Builder Confidence Levels Continue To Improve [AG Beat]

As the New Year begins, key indicators suggest most of the housing market continues to be in a stabilization and recovery mode. Compared to a year ago, the total for-sale inventory is down by -23.2 % on the national level, declining in 145 of the 146 markets tracked by Realtor.com. The national median age of the inventory is down -4.8% compared to January 2011. While U.S. median list prices declined for the second month in a row, this decline appears to be largely seasonal; on a year-over-year basis, the U.S. median list price was also up 3.69% in January. Although several major markets—including Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit and Las Vegas—continue to be on a downward trend, a growing number of metropolitan areas appear to be recovering, with Florida leading the way. Recent employment gains and record-low interest rates provide additional positive signs that improvements will continue into 2012. However, the large overhang of pending foreclosure actions in states such as Florida, New Jersey and New York could easily reverse recent gains, putting the nascent recovery at risk in many areas.

National – According to real estate data released today by Realtor.com, the national inventory of for-sale single family homes, condominiums, townhouses and co-ops (SFH/CTHCOPS) declined -6.59% from December to January, and is now down  -23.20% compared to a year ago. The median age of the inventory also declined on both an annual and monthly basis, and is now -4.80% below the levels observed in January 2011. However, while the median list price is up by 3.69% on an annual basis, it fell for the second month in a row, declining -1.32% between December and January. Although these declines are most likely seasonal in nature, trends in the next few months could determine the strength of the 2012 home buying season.

Local Market Variations – In the past year, a steadily increasing number of markets registered year-over-year increases in median list prices while fewer markets have experienced year-over-year list price declines. Florida markets, which were among the hardest hit at the beginning of the housing decline, continue to show recovery with large year-over-year inventory contractions and large year-over-year increases in median listing prices. However, a recent uptick in the for-sale inventories in these areas may signal that these markets are entering a new phase and that further improvements will be more muted. At the same time, median list prices in other markets that were once the epicenter of the housing boom—including Las Vegas and many parts of California—continue to lag behind the country as a whole. In addition, markets that never experienced the dramatic run-up in housing values that preceded the housing crisis—for example, Chicago and Detroit—have registered some of the largest declines in their median list prices on a year-over-year basis as the impact of a weak economy continues to take its toll.

National Perspective

Median List Prices - The nationwide median list price for SFH/CTHCOPS in January was $185,500, down from $188,000 in December, but still 3.69% higher than it was a year ago. While median list prices stayed relatively stable during the 2011 home buying season, they have declined for the past two months, a downturn that is likely seasonal in nature.

As shown in the chart below, the relative stability of median list prices during most of 2011 stands in stark contrast to 2010, when the expiration of the tax credit was accompanied by a precipitous decline in the national median list price that began in August 2010 and continued through February 2011.

National Median List Price: U.S. Total (See Chart at Top)

For Sale Inventories – The national for-sale inventory of SFH/CTHCOPS dropped -6.59% in January, the eighth consecutive month of decline. The total number of SFH/CTHCOPS listings on Realtor.com is now -23.20% below levels observed in January 2011.

Lower inventories combined with generally stable list prices can be seen as a positive sign that the overall market is holding its own and absorbing the excess inventory. However, markets remain fragile, particularly those with high unemployment rates and large numbers of seriously delinquent borrowers.

National for Sale Listing Inventory: U.S. Total

Median Age of Inventory — The median age of inventory of for-sale listings was 119 days in January, down from 122 days in December and -4.80% below the median age observed last year. The monthly decrease in the median age of the inventory is largely seasonal in nature, as shown by the table below. Nevertheless, combined with the marked decline in the total number of listings, the year-over-year reduction in the median age of the for-sale inventory foreshadows a stronger market going forward.

National Median Age of Inventory: U.S. Total

Local Market Variations

For Sale Inventories (y/y) – For-sale inventories of SFH/CTHCOPS in January 2012 declined in all but one of the 146 MSAs monitored by Realtor.com compared to a year ago when for-sale inventories in more than half of all markets (85) dropped by 20% or more. The 10 MSAs with the greatest year-over-year reductions in for-sale inventory were concentrated in Florida, Arizona and California.

Springfield, IL, was the only market to register a year-over-year increase in for-sale inventory. However, areas that showed the least signs of improvement tended to be concentrated in the Northeast corridor.

For Sale Inventories (m/m) – The active inventory of SFH/CTHCOPS was also down on a monthly basis in 142 of 146 MSAs, with the largest declines in Iowa City, IA (-16.12%); San Francisco, CA (-15.74%); Anchorage, AK (-15.55%); and Rochester, NY (-14.27). The four markets registering a month-over-month increase in their total listings were all in Florida. In fact, since November 2011, the inventory in most Florida markets has either stabilized or increased. While for-sale inventories remain significantly down on an annual basis in these areas, this recent uptick could conceivably signal an acceleration of foreclosure actions or renewed optimism on the part of sellers that a bottom has been reached.

Median List Prices (y/y) – Median list prices were up by 1% or more on an annual basis in the majority (107) of the 146 MSAs monitored by Realtor.com, and up year-over-year by 5% or more in 61 MSAs. The median list price was down by 1% or more in 21 markets on a year-over-year basis, with only seven markets registering declines of 5% or more. The remaining 18 markets haven’t experienced a significant change in median list prices compared to a year ago. These statistics represent a steady and significant year-over-year improvement in median list prices in the majority of markets monitored by Realtor.com since the onset of the 2011 home buying season.

Distribution of Markets by Year-Over-Year Median List Price Changes: January 2012

Note: Markets are classified as stable if the change in median list price was between -.99 and +.99 percent.

Median List Prices (m/m) – Median list prices increased on a monthly basis in 27 of the 146 markets monitored by Realtor.com and remained flat in 36 areas. The remaining 83 markets registered a monthly list price decline in January 2012, which is significantly lower than the number of declines that were observed in the past three months, another potentially positive sign.

Median List Prices – Largest y/y Increases – Most of the markets with the largest year-over-year increase in median list price (above15 percent) are in Florida.  While median list prices are still well below their pre-crisis peaks, the total for-sale inventory in those same markets was also down on a year-over-year basis by between 26.23% (West Palm Beach-Boca Raton) and 49.24% (Miami). These trends suggest that many Florida markets are well into the recovery process. However, the recent uptick in the number of for-sale properties in several Florida markets, combined with the large overhang of potential foreclosure actions, underscore the fragility of their recovery. Other top 10 markets in terms of year-over-year increases in median list prices include Boise City, ID; Phoenix-Mesa; and Washington, D.C.

Median List Prices – Largest y/y Declines – Other hard hit areas have not recovered as well as Florida. The median list price continues to be down on a year-over-year basis in Las Vegas and many major California markets. Several areas that didn’t experience a rapid run-up in housing are now registering among the highest rates of list price declines. The markets with the highest year-over-year declines in their median list prices (down by more than 5%) include:

Median List Prices – Largest m/m Increases – The top five markets with the largest monthly increase in median list prices in January included:

The recent uptick in Detroit may be an encouraging sign, although the market is still significantly down     (-8.20%) on a year-over-year basis.

Median List Prices – Largest m/m Declines – The top five markets with the largest monthly declines in median list prices included:

Median Age of Inventory – The median age of the inventory exceeded 120 days in 46 markets in January, down from 60 markets in December. While many of the markets with the oldest inventories are resort communities, particularly in Florida and the Carolinas, others are in industrialized areas that are experiencing the brunt of the economic downturn. The five markets with the longest median days on market include:

January 2012

Washington DC-MD-VA-WV (DC)

Washington, D.C. – With a median home price at $369,550 (ninth highest in the nation) and a year-over-year price increase of 15.48% (10^th best in the nation), the Washington, D.C., market continues to demonstrate strength. January inventory is down 29% on a year-over-year basis, slightly outpacing the national decline of -23.3%. At 88 days, the market’s median age of inventory is 26% below the national number of 119 days.  The Washington DC-MD-VA-WV (DC) MSA in January 2012 also experienced a -8.33% decline in its year-over-year median age of inventory, and a slight decline of -1.12% compared to December 2012.

Moreover, the market’s other metrics are remarkably stable.  Key to Washington’s success and stability is the federal government, a major reason for its 5.5% December 2011 unemployment rate, the lowest among large metropolitan areas.[1] Some 13% of the local work force works directly for the federal government, but almost as many people work for federal contractors in the Washington, D.C., area, and they grossed $78.9 billion in 2010.[2] Nearly 40% of the local economy was tied to the federal government in 2010, and the region captures 15 cents of every dollar the federal government spends, despite having less than 5% of the nation’s population.[3]

Washington’s blessing may also become its curse. The Washington area economy is predicted to grow 2.7% this year, outpacing the nation’s anticipated 2% growth rate, but the picture should change dramatically in 2013.  As a result of the federal deficit debate in Congress, starting in January 2013, the federal government will make $1.2 trillion in spending cuts over a nine-year period. Other parts of the local economy could pick up the slack, but it may not be enough to fully offset federal budget cuts.

The full extent of the federal budget cuts might not be felt until after the presidential election, but many agencies have already begun tightening their belts in anticipation. Economist Stephen Fuller, head of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, expects federal wages and salaries will fall less than 1% to comprise 9.4% of the region’s economy by 2015, while procurement dollars will shrink about 2.3% to 17.4%. All told, the federal government’s slice of the local economy is expected to fall to 36% in the next three years.[4]

The historic Fairlee Mansion is on the market in Catonsville, Maryland. The Victorian home on 2.5 acres is located close to both Baltimore and Washington DC and has two staircases, large wrap around porch, custom fireplace mantels, in-law suite with kitchen, gorgeous wood floors, and more. It is listed for $835,000. More great links below:

How To Style Your Bookcase [Houzz]

Latest U.S. Budget Looks To Cut Mortgage Interest Deductions [AG Beat]

Sara Rue Picks Up A Lake Hollywood Ranch Home [Real Estalker]

Six Apps To Help With Gardening [Apartment Therapy]

Why More Showings Doesn’t Necessarily Mean More Offers[St. Paul Real Estate Blog]

AOL Real Estate rounds up towns with romantic-sounding names including the home shown above in Loveland, Colorado. The two-bedroom home is listed for $309,900. This and more great links below:

Fall In Love With Romantic-Sounding Towns [AOL Real Estate]

Five Heart-Shaped Tubs To Set The Mood For Valentine’s Day [Curbed]

Lower Initial Jobless Claims Could Boost Home Prices [Parkland Real Estate Blog]

Ten Humidifiers You can Live With [Apartment Therapy]

has Matthew McConaughey Picked Up A New Home In Austin? [Real Estalker]

Five Signs You Are Ready To Become An Entrepreneur [AG Beat]

Homes of the Rich showcases another great home in Greenwich, Connecticut. This shingled beauty is on 4.11 acres. A special master suite includes two fireplaces, an octagonal, sun-drenched sitting room and a balcony in addition to the five suite bedrooms. It is listed for $7.795 million. This and more great links below:

Shingled Home In Greenwich[Homes of the Rich]

Add A Metallic Edge With Nailhead Trim[Houzz]

Bernanke Says Housing Market Hurting Consumer Spending [AOL Real Estate]

Survey Shows Home Ownership Dream Still Strong [Editor At Large]

Smash: Debra Messing’s Townhouse And More Great Sets [Hooked On Houses]

Luxurious living. Miles of beautiful beaches. Amazing activities.

There is a good reason that condos in Pelican Bay are constantly in demand. Many of the units are fully remodeled with access to all of the amenities that make Pelican Bay the premier place to live in Naples, Florida. Pelican Bay's condos offer:

• Beach restaurants

• Free use of kayaks and Hobie Cats

• Swimming pool, hot tub and sauna

• Three and a half miles of walking and biking trails

• Responsive management

• Exercise room

If you are looking for friendly neighbors and an outdoor, active lifestyle in the most beautiful location in the nation, then Pelican Bay is ideal. With literally every amenity you could possibly want and the low maintenance benefits of a condo, Pelican Bay is the place to be!

For more information about Pelican Bay and other picturesque properties, just go to Ginny's website or call!

www.ginnylee.com
239-591-3225
Click Here to Search listings in Naples, Florida

If you have ever dreamed of owning a property that could theoretically bring you closer to the cosmos, then take a peek at the recently listed Jamesburg Earth Station in Carmel Valley, California. Commissioned by the Communications Satellite Corporation during the Kennedy administration, the massive satellite relay was used to send and receive messages from space – including some of the first moon landing photographs transmitted by astronaut Neil Armstrong & Co. in 1969. That very satellite antenna, along with a few other structures, over 160 acres of land and a sweet space history, is now on the market for $3 million.

Located on a remote hillside, the Jamesburg Earth Station was used as a functional communications station by AT&T up until 2002. The massively trestled dish stands some 97-feet high and connects to a secure warehouse facility that houses many pieces of original equipment used to communicate with astronauts in space. It also sports a considerable amount of fiber optic cabling, power generators and amenities like a fully-equipped gym, kitchen and bathroom areas. Oh, and there’s also a helipad on the premises.

Much like the aforementioned ‘Silo Home’, the Earth Station also presents one of the more formidable shelters for holding off future invasions (earthly or extraterrestrial), raptures or the dreaded zombie apocalypse. Besides being completely fenced in, the 21,000-square-foot building sports walls made of two-foot thick concrete, allowing for the structure to withstand five megaton nuclear blast. Whether this remnant of the Cold War ever beams messages into space again remains to be seen, but it certainly presents one of the more unique real estate opportunities and stories on the market today.

The listing is presented by Bert Aronson of the Aronson Team.

See more Real Estate News at REALTOR.com

Browse more Carmel Valley, California real estate at REALTOR.com

With 18 holes that hug the rugged Carmel Bay coastline, the Pebble Beach Golf Links is arguably the most picturesque set of fairways and greens in the U.S., if not the world. Besides its many renowned golf courses, the Pebble Beach, California area is also home to some of the most coveted oceanfront estates found along the West Coast.

Amateur and professional golfers alike will be taking to the California coast this weekend for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and as a salute to the fine linksmen who will be teeing off, REALTOR.com brings you five golf course properties in the Pebble Beach area.

1. Found along the 2^nd green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links is this fine Mediterranean-style villa known as ‘Casa Robro’. Listed for $17.5 million, Casa Robro (at top and above) features a 6,953-square-foot main home that has a total of five bedrooms and six bathrooms, along with a separate 1,072-square-foot “gate house” that offers an additional two bedrooms and two baths. The living room, formal dining room and rear patio area look out over the links and share expansive views of the surrounding coastline.

2. Looking for a home where you can take in every fantastic tournament finish? Well, look no further than the ‘Chappellet Estate’. Offered for $15 million, Chappellet Estate boasts unobstructed views of the 18^th green, making it one of the most coveted homes oceanfront homes in Pebble Beach. Redwoods, oaks and other laurels line the 2.75-acre property, which includes a four-bedroom main house, two-bedroom guesthouse and approximately 6,200-square-feet of living space.

3. Resting high above the 14^th hole at Pebble Beach is this nearly 9,000-square-foot contemporary masterpiece. Beyond its stunning glass façade, the home, listed for $12.75 million, offers five luxury suites, along with such amenities as a media room, exercise room, office and billiard room, each of which offers striking ocean and golf views.

4. If you have the type of money necessary to purchase the three aforementioned homes, you might have the cash necessary to buy a prime Pebble Beach lot and build your own home. If that is the case, look no further than this 1.1 acre parcel listed for $12 million. Found along the 12^th fairway and green, the lot is just minutes from Carmel Beach and includes a total of 180 feet of unobstructed views of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

5. While it lacks fairway views, this Tuscan-style estate located just south of the Cypress Point, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills golf courses brings a little something different to the table: a backyard putting green. Besides the personal putter’s paradise, the home, set on a 3.39-acre lot, includes some 6,900-square-feet of living space, with five bedrooms, eight baths, library and a media room that features a wine bar and cellar. All for a price tag of $8.9 million.

Check out more Real Estate News at REALTOR.com

Browse more Pebble Beach, California real estate at REALTOR.com